Lucha VaVoom

Lucha VaVoom

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Rita D'Albert is the co-creator of Lucha VaVoom, the seven-year-old fusion of Lucha Libre wrestling, burlesque and performance art that plays four times a year in the Los Angeles area to enthusiastic crowds. Rita is photographed at her downtown loft.

Rita D'Albert is the co-creator of Lucha VaVoom, the seven-year-old fusion of Lucha Libre wrestling, burlesque and performance art that plays four times a year in the Los Angeles area to enthusiastic crowds. Rita is photographed at her downtown loft. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Gasparin, a ring announcer from Mexico, takes to the mike to introduce the first match. He speaks only in Spanish and lends authenticity to the Lucha Libre that is on offer. The Mexican brand of freestyle wrestling is a blend of art and sport that dates to the 1930s.

Gasparin, a ring announcer from Mexico, takes to the mike to introduce the first match. He speaks only in Spanish and lends authenticity to the Lucha Libre that is on offer. The Mexican brand of freestyle wrestling is a blend of art and sport that dates to the 1930s. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)